Forklift Fork Extensions - Lift truck extensions are a great alternative whenever you find you have to reach further than your typical forklift allows. Moreover, if you find that a load exceeds more than you could securely lift on your forklift, an extension could help you complete your job safely.
Increasing Forklift Efficiency
Lift truck extensions provide the added capacity and support required whenever picking up long pallets, containers or very heavy loads. What's more, the extensions add more length to the blades which helps the individual operating it to be able to reach increased distances. Utilizing lift truck extensions truly saves a company the requirement to purchase separate equipment to be able to finish the task. This could save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency alternatives using the machinery you already have.
Lots of extensions just slip on top of the standard forklift forks. Extensions could be obtained in order to fit forks that have widths of 4, 5 and 6 inches. It is essential to measure your extensions in order to obtain a proper fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width which is half an inch wider compared to the the size stated is paramount to making sure the accurate fit. Whenever purchasing your extension size, make certain it is equivalent to your blade's width. For instance, if you have forks that are six inches wide, you will utilize an extension which is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards set by OSHA which standardize the length of extension that you could use. According to the regulation, extensions cannot be longer than fifty percent of the actual fork length. Abiding by these rules would help to maintain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal lift truck extensions to avoid corrosion. The two most common sizes for forklift extensions in the industry are sixty inches and seventy two inches, although, other lengths are existing.
Securing Mechanism
There are two individual securing systems existing. The first option connects the extensions onto the lift truck with a single pull pin. The second and safer alternative is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more stable attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are existing either non-tapered or tapered for most container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are used whenever transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads have pipes, coils or drums. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are usually constructed of steel and can be designed to fit forks up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place with a locking bar, they slide off and on effortlessly. Triangular extensions range in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is always a good plan to use safety precautions when handling whichever type of industrial machinery and forklift extensions are no different. Checking your lift truck extensions prior to utilizing it is even a good habit to get into. Once the extensions have been positioned onto the forklift, the attaching mechanism must be double checked too. Personal injury or damage to the load can take place if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations would likewise help to be able to guarantee the safety of the individual operating it and those working in close proximity.
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